Editor's note: Who doesn't law enforcement arrest the perps at the Probate Court of Cook County when they scam elders and their families? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Men pose as cops, rob seniors in Gold Coast
Tribune photo illustration
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Seniors in the Gold Coast neighborhood are being warned after two men posed as police officers and stole money from two women Friday and in late November.
Most recently, an 83-year-old woman was victimized Friday in the 900 block of North Michigan Avenue. Another woman, 70, was similarly scammed on Nov. 26 in the 800 block of North State Street, said Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala.
A community alert issued by police said the two men are wanted for police impersonation and deceptive practice. Both are black, with medium complexions. One is between the ages of 40 and 55, is 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds while the other is between the ages of 60 and 66, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and has "salt and pepper hair."
The two posed as law enforcement officials to obtain money from the victims. In both cases, one offender called the elderly victim, telling them that a relative is under arrest, the alert said.
The victim is told that their help is needed in the investigation and they need to withdraw a large sum of money from their bank. The second man then meets the victim outside the bank or at another designated location to pick up the money, the alert said.
The bogus cops tell the victims that they can't tell anyone about what they are doing so as not to hurt the investigation, and sometimes the two re-contact the victim after receiving the money to obtain more, the alert said.
The alert reminds the public that police will never ask for any money for an investigation or for any other reason and that it is a good idea to always ask for identification if someone claims to be a police officer because all officers carry identification and will show it.
Additionally, never enter a vehicle with someone you don’t know and dial 911 if any suspicious activity is seen.
Anyone with information about these crimes should contact the Financial Crimes Unit at (312) 746-9661.
rsobol@tribune.com | Twitter: @RosemarySobol1
Most recently, an 83-year-old woman was victimized Friday in the 900 block of North Michigan Avenue. Another woman, 70, was similarly scammed on Nov. 26 in the 800 block of North State Street, said Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala.
A community alert issued by police said the two men are wanted for police impersonation and deceptive practice. Both are black, with medium complexions. One is between the ages of 40 and 55, is 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds while the other is between the ages of 60 and 66, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and has "salt and pepper hair."
The two posed as law enforcement officials to obtain money from the victims. In both cases, one offender called the elderly victim, telling them that a relative is under arrest, the alert said.
The victim is told that their help is needed in the investigation and they need to withdraw a large sum of money from their bank. The second man then meets the victim outside the bank or at another designated location to pick up the money, the alert said.
The bogus cops tell the victims that they can't tell anyone about what they are doing so as not to hurt the investigation, and sometimes the two re-contact the victim after receiving the money to obtain more, the alert said.
The alert reminds the public that police will never ask for any money for an investigation or for any other reason and that it is a good idea to always ask for identification if someone claims to be a police officer because all officers carry identification and will show it.
Additionally, never enter a vehicle with someone you don’t know and dial 911 if any suspicious activity is seen.
Anyone with information about these crimes should contact the Financial Crimes Unit at (312) 746-9661.
rsobol@tribune.com | Twitter: @RosemarySobol1
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